Man behind the mask leads UTSA into NCAAs

Catcher John Bormann, a sophomore walk-on from Navarro High School, hit .470 in last weekend's WAC tournament. He's a big reason UTSA is in its first NCAA tournament in eight years.

Catcher John Bormann, a sophomore walk-on from Navarro High School,...

Just as an Iowa cornfield once served as a backdrop for one of the most popular baseball movies of all time, a rural setting outside of Seguin has produced what UTSA coach Jason Marshall has always coveted:

The catcher of his dreams.

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Using what Marshall calls “an elite-level release” in his throwing mechanics, Bormann has also picked off a nation-leading 14 baserunners, including 10 at first base.

“His arm strength is very good,” Marshall said. “His release is elite. It's the reason you see him back-door a lot of guys at first base.”

Bormann played quarterback and safety in football at Navarro. In baseball, he was a shortstop and pitcher.

Marshall said Bormann didn't start catching a lot until after his senior year in high school.

Recruited for that position at UTSA, he was raw as a freshman. As a part-time starter, he threw out only 10 of 44 trying to steal. He had five passed balls in 32 games.

This year, in contrast, he is blocking everything. Bormann has been charged with only three passed balls in 58 games.

Plus, in an ironman show of durability, he has caught every inning of every game UTSA has played — 5142/3 innings in all.

Bormann credited his teammates and coaches for his improvement.

With UTSA having qualified for the national tournament, he also admitted to some good fortune.

“It really hasn't hit me yet,” Bormann said. “Personally, this is a dream come true. I come from playing in a cornfield out in Geronimo, Texas, to getting a walk-on spot and now getting to play with these guys every day.